Assessing the Cubs’ free agent relievers most likely to return in 2026
The Chicago Cubs enter the offseason with several key members of their bullpen hitting free agency. Left-handed pitchers Taylor Rogers, Caleb Thielbar, and Drew Pomeranz are all free agents, along with right-handers Brad Keller, Ryan Brasier, Michael Soroka, and Aaron Civale. Furthermore, the team traded Andrew Kittredge back to Baltimore, who had previously sent him packing to Chicago at last summer’s trade deadline.
With eight relievers departing, seven via free agency, the Cubs’ front office faces the challenge of reshaping the bullpen this offseason. Bullpen turnover is nothing new in baseball, and after a strong 2025 campaign, several of Chicago’s relievers are expected to seek bigger paydays elsewhere, likely ruling out a reunion.
Still, not everyone will price themselves out of the Cubs’ plans. Here’s a look at the relievers who stand the best chance of returning to Wrigley Field in 2026.
Which Chicago Cubs free agent relievers are most likely to return in 2026? The first name that comes to mind is Pomeranz. Set to turn 37 next season, he was given an opportunity in 2025 to reunite with Craig Counsell in Chicago. After not appearing in the majors since 2021, he made the most of it. Pomeranz posted a stellar 2.17 ERA across 49.2 innings, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. Having already earned over $50 million in his career, it’s plausible he’d be open to returning on a modest one-year deal. Similarly, Thielbar could be a candidate to return in 2026. The veteran left-hander will be 39 by the time Spring Training arrives and is coming off a career year with the Cubs. In 2025, he posted a 2.64 ERA over 58.0 innings, his best ERA mark in a single season, aside from the shortened 2020 campaign. Chicago might need to offer a modest raise from the $2.75 million he earned last year, but it wouldn’t take a significant increase to bring him back. On the other hand, Keller appears to be a long shot to return in 2026. He also enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, posting an impressive 2.07 ERA over 69.2 innings. To top it off, he notched two saves in the postseason, further solidifying his status as one of the more appealing relievers on the market. Given his performance, Keller is well-positioned to earn a sizable payday in free agency. Lastly, when it comes to Rogers, Soroka, Civale, and Brasier, a reunion seems unlikely, primarily because the Cubs may not have strong interest in bringing them back. Rogers, Soroka, and Civale all joined the team late in the 2025 season as short-term rentals, and it’s expected that they’ll explore opportunities elsewhere this winter.
The post Assessing the Cubs’ free agent relievers most likely to return in 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-free-agent-relievers-most-likely-to-return
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